LETTER: Guide to noise implications

There are four flight path options; A, B, C or same as it was last year.

Options A, B, C all send aircraft closer to North Horsham. What you will not see is the noise impact map for any of the new options in a form that you can easily understand.

Noise is measured in units of Decibels. In the current consultation, Gatwick have declined to show you maps of what the actual noise levels will be over the greater Horsham area. Instead they are very pleased to show a set of sound energy equivalent diagrams (Leq) which means nothing to you and me, as they do not tell us how loud aircraft are likely to be.

So you might be now thinking how can I choose between the four options then? Oh and why did GAL decide not to show this information. Two very good questions.

Here is a map to help answer both questions, a decibel map showing possible loudness values that you can actually relate to in real life. It is for flight path option A which is currently being trialled. That’s the one that has been ‘carefully designed’ (GAL’s own words) and flies over Rusper and much closer to Warnham, Broadbridge Heath, Slinfold.

As you can see the impact is huge on areas that have previously not had such noise, nor frequency (up to one aircraft every two minutes).

Can you see where you live (for guidance, Horsham town appears on the right, above the caption box)? What colour shading are you in? Does it match your current experience? And do you like it? Send your answers to:

Freepost RSLG ATKL LBAE

Gatwick Consultation

Ipsos MORI

Research Services House

Elmgrove Road

Harrow HA1 2QG

The map was created by myself, it is indicative based on calculations and data from CAA. It is not perfect but is for sure better than seeing nothing.

Ahhh, but what do the colours and values mean?

Here is a simple guide to a common sound and the Decibel values (go switch your vacuum cleaner - large and traditional - on for this).

The Decibel level (Db) figure is followed by the distance from the vacuum cleaner in metres:

58, 5; 60, 4; 63, 3; 64, 2; 67, 1; 70, 0 (at ear height); 85, 0 (ear down at machine).

Once you’ve decided which noise level you would prefer and for your fellow residents, write to the address above or go online at the official consultation site:

http://www.gatwickairport.com/business-community/aircraft-noise/consultations-and-schemes/airspace-consultation/

STUART SPENCER

Mitchell Gardens, Slinfold